November 03, 2024

Regulating Blockchain: Critical Perspectives in Law and Technology by Robert Herian

17 minutes

Regulating Blockchain: Critical Perspectives in Law and Technology by Robert Herian offers an in-depth analysis of blockchain technology through the lenses of law and social theory. Published by Routledge in 2018, the book critically examines the widespread perception of blockchain as a revolutionary force capable of transforming socio-economic and political structures.

Key Themes:

Historical and Theoretical Context: Herian situates blockchain within a broader historical and theoretical framework, exploring its evolution and the ideological narratives that have shaped its development.

Regulatory Challenges: The book delves into the complexities of regulating blockchain, addressing issues such as data sovereignty, compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the tension between decentralization and existing legal frameworks.

Neoliberal Implications: Herian critically assesses how blockchain technology aligns with neoliberal market strategies, questioning its potential to genuinely disrupt existing power structures or merely reinforce them.

Future Trajectories: The author explores potential future developments in blockchain regulation, emphasizing the need for collaborative approaches that balance innovation with public interest and accountability.

This work is particularly valuable for legal scholars, policymakers, and technologists interested in the intersection of emerging technologies and regulatory frameworks. Herian's critical perspective encourages readers to consider the broader socio-political implications of blockchain beyond its technical capabilities.

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